There are few things more satisfying that finding that perfect item, be it at a shop, a show or even a garage sale.
But if I had taken a single pass around the merchandise I might have missed some of my best finds.

Instead, I try to retrace my steps, reversing the path throughout a shop.

Objects that were hidden in shadows suddenly become obvious when you do that.

Case in point: I was at a local consignment shop when I spotted a bowl filled with potpourri. It was an elegant, etched compote that caught the light and sparkled like a beacon from across the room. I knew it had to be something good.

Sure enough, it was signed Tiffany.

The price? $24.95.

Why?

Because whoever had done the pricing had inadvertently placed the price sticker over part of the acid-etched signature.

As for actually spotting the bowl, I had not noticed it when I walked in the door. I only noticed it when retracing my steps because the sunlight came into the room at a different angle.

Look up and down the shelves.

Don’t just look straight at the piece when you pick it up, either.

To look for a hallmark, hold a piece of glass at an angle — the hallmarks sometimes are almost like holographic images and not visible when viewed head-on.

Run your fingertips along the edges to inspect for chips, buy and enjoy!